Eating disorders focus of awareness events on campus early next week

To increase awareness and prevention of eating disorders, Student Health Services will be hosting a series of events in the Milo Bail Student Center starting Monday in observation of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The awareness week is a collective effort of healthcare providers, eating disorder professionals, social workers, educators and other individuals dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers involved with eating disorders and the importance of early intervention and treatment.

The week stresses methods that have been proven to be effective, such as sharing personal testimonies. Information will be distributed on the signs, dangers and treatments of eating disorders at schools, community and fitness centers and places of worship with the hope it is available to anyone who needs it.

The theme for this year's awareness week is "Until Eating Disorders are History."

Monday's event will focus on body image and healthy lifestyles. Kristina Rieken, a dietitian from the Children's Hospital Eating Disorders Program, will lead a discussion titled "Scales Are for Fish: Body Image and Healthy Lifestyle."

Rieken's presentation will address how people view their bodies in comparison to the "flawless" images the media projects as beautiful and ideal. The event is free and lunch will be provided for those who attend.

"College age students are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders," said Marti Rosen-Atherton, director of the UNO Counseling Center. "How we view our bodies affects so many areas of our lives."

She said eating disorders not only affect a person's physical health, but also cause many problems with emotional and mental health.

"Our self-esteem, relationships and emotional well-being are all influenced by our perceptions of our size and shape," Rosen-Atherton said. "This program will focus on making healthy lifestyle choices and appreciating your body - all at the same time."

Eating disorder awareness and resource tables will also be set up on the first floor of the Milo Bail Student Center Monday and Tuesday. The tables will be staffed by Clarkson Hospital Nursing Students and UNO's Student Health Advisory Council.

Warning signs of eating disorders include overeating or not eating at all, severe weight loss, taking part in excessive exercise, hair loss, substance abuse and complaining of severe or constant headaches.

People suffering from eating disorders often surround themselves with denial because their family and peers want them to be thin, said Dr. Peg Miller-Evans, a licensed clinical psychologist with the Children's Hospital and Medical Center Eating Disorders Program.

It is important for family and friends to communicate their concerns in a non-confrontational and loving way when approaching someone with an eating disorder, Miller-Evans said.

She advises parents to refrain from communicating the dangers of eating disorders to their children.Instead, she said it's better to teach them to have a positive body image and healthy eating habits.

However, if prevention doesn't work, and an eating disorder develops, then she said it's time to get help.

"Encourage people to seek help - those struggling with an eating disorder and their families question what is normal or right," Miller-Evans said.

"Pick up the phone or see a physician and just ask the question. Early prevention is key.